Del Bosque identifies Europe's big guns

Del Bosque praised the work of Jupp Heynckes at the helm of Bayern, and insisted the German side are more than capable of going all the way in the tournament.

"Together with Barcelona and Madrid, Bayern are the strongest team. Without a doubt," he told Bild.

"We (Del Bosque and Heynckes) know each other and I respect him a lot. He did a great job as coach of Real Madrid.

"He earned the club their seventh Champions League victory in 1998 after the fans had to wait more than 30 years. He is doing well now."

Del Bosque was also full of praise for Germany coach Joachim Low, who he believes should be given credit for transforming the German national team's style of play, despite the fact that he is yet to lead the team to a title.

"I think his appearance and his style are very appealing," Del Bosque said.

"He is leading a project in which he gave German football a new game style, and he has done very well.

"In 2008 they were in the finals, semi-finals in 2010 and in 2012 they were back to the last four. Who would have thought that Spain would win all three tournaments?

"The Germans can be proud of Low, even if they have not won a title with him yet."